What I'll Remember...

First of all--CONGRATULATIONS are in order! Michael was accepted to Penn State Dickinson School of Law yesterday! Congratulations! Keep him in your prayers over the next week as he faces this decision now between pursuing a job in Washington, D.C., or attending law school.

This is one crazy week...so much to do in preparation for camp next week...so much to finish before the long drive home on Friday...I have lists, so that I don't forget to accomplish something...

I have decorations to make...verses to memorize...lesson plans to create...games to learn...etc. (I tend to "go all out" when I am teaching/leading a youth group function...I love to be detailed, and to be as creative as possible...My roommate thinks I should be a teacher--but I definitely couldn't handle that!)

And though I try to stay on track, things "get in the way". Unexpected interruptions occur, leaving me distracted for a period of time.

Like last night--my neighbors, who are moving this weekend, decided to come and "serenade" my roommates and I with a harmonica and guitar...then I jammed with them on guitar, teaching them a few things that I have learned over the years.

And like tonight--I'm going out with friends from church, whom I haven't really spent good quality time with in about six months...we'll be out for a few hours, and then I have a "meeting" with my partner for camp next week over the phone...

...leaving me with much left to get accomplished still...

But you know what? These things are what life is all about! They really are NOT "getting in the way" by any means.

These are the moments in life that I'll remember a long time from now...

I won't remember all the things I had to pack, make, find for camp...

I won't remember the lack of sleep that will inevitably occur at camp next week...

I won't remember the stress I experienced when interruptions came as I tried to get everything done after procrastinating for a month...

What I will remember is the time with these precious youth...these children of God...I will treasure the teachable moments that I have...and those when they teach me.

I'll remember the time with these people who are so dear in my life, these friends with whom God has blessed me...

I'll remember the smiles on the faces of the girls in my cabin as we grow closer together, and as I try my best to give them the best camp experience that I can give them.

So, you see, I don't mind the "distractions" at all. Things will get done. I'll be ready for camp come Sunday. For now, I want to enjoy the little things...the friends...the neighbors...the "social life" of the week...I want to enjoy life fully, whatever that may look like at the moment.

"Receive this moment's experience with both hands. Don't waste it."
--Elizabeth Elliot

"Wherever you are, be all there." --Jim Elliot